Forest and Rangeland Birds of the United States

Natural History and Habitat Use

Ash-throated Flycatcher -- Myiarchus cinerascens

RANGE: Breeds from northwestern Oregon and eastern Washington to Colorado
and western Kansas, south to Mexico. Winters from southern California and central
Arizona south to Central America.

STATUS: Common.

HABITAT: Inhabits mesquite and cactus deserts, rocky mesas, shrubby
canyons, oak groves on hillsides, mesquite thickets along creek bottoms, open
pinyon-juniper woodlands, and open groves of sycamore, oak, willow, or cottonwood
along stream courses. Stands with a low percentage of canopy cover are preferred.
Occurs from sea level to 9,000 feet in California, but is most frequently found
at lower elevations.

SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Natural tree cavities or old woodpecker
holes for nesting.

NEST: Uses a variety of cavities for nesting; natural cavities or knot
holes in trees and stumps of mesquite, ash, oak, sycamore, juniper or cottonwood,
or old woodpecker holes. May also nest behind loose pieces of bark, in abandoned
nests of cactus wrens, in cavities in saguaro, in artificial structures, or
in stalks of yucca or agave. Usually nests less than 20 feet above the ground.

FOOD: Forages over low shrubs, hawking insects and spiders. Also eats
a few fruits and seeds.